The release of the Seventh Guest in 1993 has been a revolution for adventure gamers and played a decisive role in the growth of CD-ROM drives installed. I saw people buying CD-ROM drives just to play with the 7th Guest, and one of the reason why it sold so well might be because it was among the few products that were pushing CD-ROMs to their upmost capacities at that time. Moreover, the 7th Guest was a technological breakthrough featuring SVGA 3D rendered graphics, computer animations up to 15 frames per second and video with a cast of professional actors. If you look closer at what is being done today in the computer games industry, you will notice that the 7th Guest was a precursor who strongly influenced the other computer game companies. Now with the release of The 11th Hour, the sequel of the 7th Guest, will we again be the witnesses of a new generation of games or just find another rehash packed with additional graphics and puzzles? You will find out if you read what follows!

I can only repeat that this is an excellent game for anyone who loves puzzles and games, and quiet contemplation, with a bit of story thrown in for good measure. But if you like your games with a bit of zip about them then maybe it's not for you. And it may not be for you if you can't take a spot of criticism -- Stauf has a limitless supply of insults up his sleeve to fling at you if you fall short of expectations.

In the end, The 11th Hour is little more than a frustrating experience. It is very clear that a great deal of effort has gone into the game. Eleven years after its release, the graphics still look quite pleasant. Navigating the mansion is a simple matter. There are a number of puzzles that should be quite entertaining to solve. But the game is lacking in too many other aspects. While the storyline is more coherent and clearer than the previous game, it is somewhat lacking in depth. There are a number of fun puzzles, but the mini-games you play against Stauf can easily become frustrating. Despite the presence of some cleverly constructed riddles, the “Treasure Hunts” boil down to annoying exercises that test your patience. The game fails to create the kind of atmosphere that draws players in and creates a feeling of immersion. It just feels like a series of puzzles with a number of puzzles thrown in between and a storyline that focuses more on past events than your own actions.

A less-than-satisfying conclusion won't trouble the majority of the game-buying public. 11TH HOUR is light on gameplay and heavy on Hollywood influences and adult themes – if you aren't interested in that combination, you might to pass it up. On the other hand, gamers who enjoy puzzles, riddles and light board games will delight in 11TH HOUR'S elegant presentation of such games as Reversi, Connect Four and Pente. Gamers who enjoy high-budget interactive fiction will not be disappointed by the production values, and virtually anyone will enjoy the VGA graphics and superb animation. Gamers who value gameplay more than flash – or who think that puzzles should have something to do with the plot of an adventure game – will have to think twice before re-vising this old house.

Without meaning to, The 11th Hour has taught the gaming industry a few valuable lessons: First, the sequel isn't always as successful as the original. Second, pretty graphics and cool video sequences do not ensure a good overall gaming experience. Third, and perhaps most importantly, game creators should stay true to their claims, or they'll disappoint their audience in the end.

Overall, 11th Hour is a mess in its storyline, its poor puzzle quality, its too-high-end requirements, and its general lack of consideration for the game player. I would not recommend this game to anyone.